Ever listen to right wing radio? I do. I typically stream progressive radio through my computer during the workday and listen to Sean Hannity (or others) on my way home. Here's the question of the day: Are they ignorant or just stupid?
It is not uncommon for pundits (of either political stripe) to defend their side. But the lengths the people go to on the right, is simply absurd. During the "sex scandals" of Haggard, Foley, Vitter, Craig (etc. etc. etc.), the right-wing talking class simply would not be outraged by the hypocracy of these "leaders." Stupid or ignorant? It's laughable how riduculous Larry Craig was/is for all of his indignant behavior during the Clinton impeachment, only to get caught with a dick in his mouth. Not a word, not a peep from the Hannities of the world. Just defense.
The "law & order" party, the strict constitutionalists. They should be up in arms about the confessed BREAKING OF THE LAW within the hiring practices at the Justice Department. Nothing on the radio. Nothing. Stupid or ignorant? Move along now...nothing to see here.
On climate change, they mock the consensus of the world scientists. The debate on whether or not the globe has a "fever" is over. The debate needs to change as to what we do about it. But by never moving the conversation forward, nothing changes. We're forever defending SCIENCE!!! Ignorance or stupidity?
Bush hands the next president a $450 BILLION deficit. This is the party of fiscal discipline? Do you hear the right-wing punditry talking about how their leaders went astray? Nope. You hear them say things like "If Obama becomes president, it will be the end of the United States." What kind of inanity is that? Stupid or ignorant?
And what is this of them calling it the "Democrat" party? Are they trying to goad me? Are they serious? At this point, I just say "Stupid." That is my conclusion. They're just stupid people. That doesn't mean they don't have talent. For as stupid as O'Liely is, he has on screen talent. As does Limbaugh, etc.
What do we do when we are surrounded by stupid people? To this, I wish I had a definitive answer. Do you?